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First, some facts. Of the Petroleum Engineering graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 304 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Petroleum Engineering graduates have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 26% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Petroleum Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEngineering Intern Eagle Automation May 2018 - Dec 2018 Field Engineer Liberty Oilfield Services Jan 2019 - Apr 2020 Field Engineer Liberty Energy Aug 2020 - Dec 2022 Lead Engineer Liberty Energy Dec 2022 - Feb 2024 Staff Engineer Liberty Energy Jan 2024 - Present ABOUTVery focused individual who can adapt to different teams and situations. Systematic problem solver and diligent worker, willing to go the extra mile in order to make sure that the job gets done correctly and safely. Great ability to work with people and respect authority. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the career paths of those who graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering, there’s a noticeable trend in the types of positions they take on after college. Many graduates dive straight into roles that are highly relevant to their field: think production engineers, drilling engineers, and reservoir engineers. These jobs directly leverage the specialized knowledge and skills they learned during their studies. In fact, some positions, like those at Chevron, Halliburton, or ExxonMobil, are almost quintessential examples of what you'd expect from someone with this degree. They involve daily application of petroleum engineering principles, smack dab in the oil and gas sector, handling everything from drilling techniques to reservoir management.
But it's not all directly related to petroleum engineering. A fair number of graduates end up in jobs that seem only somewhat connected or, frankly, don’t relate to petroleum engineering much at all. For instance, some folks found themselves in roles like business analysts, project managers in unrelated sectors, or even simply customer service positions. These paths may utilize some of the problem-solving or analytical skills developed during their studies, but they lack the core application of petroleum engineering knowledge. It’s kind of like getting a degree in a specialized field only to end up working in something entirely different – definitely a reality check!
In summary, while the majority of Petrol Engineering graduates do find relevant roles that align with their education, there are many who veer off into areas where their technical expertise is less utilized. This highlights an important point for anyone thinking about this degree: while your education opens doors to exciting opportunities in the oil and gas industry, it doesn't guarantee that every job you land will directly involve petroleum engineering. It's a mixed bag; you might just end up applying your skills in ways you never expected!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Petroleum Engineering graduates:
When looking at the various career trajectories of graduates with a Petroleum Engineering degree, it's evident that these individuals have had quite diverse career paths. Many graduates from reputable programs like the Colorado School of Mines, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston typically start out in technical roles that are closely tied to their field of study, such as field engineers, drilling engineers, or petroleum engineers. For instance, those from Colorado School of Mines in 2014 began their careers as completions engineers, which is a common entry-level job in the industry that directly utilizes their engineering education.
As time goes on, we can see a shift in careers for many of these professionals. About five to ten years post-graduation, several graduates transition from technical roles into managerial or specialized positions. For instance, graduates who started as field engineers or interns in oil companies often become reservoir engineers, project managers, or even partners at consulting firms or start their own businesses in related fields. This transition indicates a solid progression in their careers, showcasing an upward trajectory within the oil and gas sectors.
However, not everyone stays within traditional petroleum engineering roles. Some graduates drift into related sectors, such as business development or engineering management, while others can be found in entirely different industries—like software engineering or data analysis—after diversifying their skills. This branching out may reflect broader job market trends or personal interests that evolve after graduation. For instance, graduates who initially worked as field engineers or drilling coordinators have found fulfilling careers in project management or consulting roles within tech firms, which can be quite a deviation from their initial career paths.
Overall, while many Petroleum Engineering graduates find success in roles closely tied to their degree, there’s a noticeable diversification in the type of jobs they hold after five to ten years. Some flourish and rise through the ranks in the oil and gas industry, while others branch out into different fields, illustrating how versatile the skill set from a Petroleum Engineering degree can be. This duality shows that while a solid foundation in petroleum engineering opens up many doors within the oil sector, it can also be a stepping stone to a wide range of careers in various industries.
Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering can be pretty challenging, to be honest. It’s not just about learning some cool science and math; you’re diving deep into complex topics like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and reservoir engineering, which can be pretty intense. Many students find the workload to be heavier than some other engineering disciplines, plus the classes often require a lot of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. So, if you're passionate about the field and ready to put in the effort, it can be rewarding, but you definitely shouldn't underestimate the time and energy it requires!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Petroleum Engineering.
When looking at the career paths of these petroleum engineering graduates, it's pretty clear that many of them have landed some solid roles—especially considering the average salaries in the oil and gas sector, which tend to be quite high. For instance, graduates from places like Colorado School of Mines, Texas A&M, and LSU are often stepping into engineering positions at major companies like Chevron and Halliburton, where starting salaries can easily break six figures. Moreover, those who have gained experience over the years and moved up into leadership roles likely see their incomes rise even higher. So if you're aiming to get into this field, there's definitely potential to make decent money, especially as you progress in your career.
That said, there are a few profiles that show less impressive financial trajectories, particularly those who have switched industries or taken on roles that don’t directly align with petroleum engineering. For example, some have roles that seem more entry-level or administrative, which could suggest lower salaries. However, the overall trend among most graduates leaning towards technical engineering jobs indicates a lucrative future, especially in an industry like oil and gas where highly specialized skills are in demand. So, if you're considering this path, there's a strong chance of earning a good salary over time, especially if you stay focused and build your experience effectively!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Petroleum Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Petroleum Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Petroleum Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University
|
80 | 25 |
 Louisiana State University
|
79 | 26 |
 University of Oklahoma
|
78 | 20 |
 Texas Tech University
|
77 | 20 |
 Penn State University
|
75 | 11 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
75 | 18 |
 Marietta College
|
70 | 20 |
 Colorado School of Mines
|
69 | 30 |
 West Virginia University
|
68 | 10 |
 University of Houston
|
67 | 19 |
 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
|
63 | 10 |